To achieve self-sufficiency in oilseeds, pulses govts must assure purchase

Though there has been an increase in acreage and production of these items, there hasn't been a big reduction in paddy and wheat acreage

On Sunday, the NITI Aayog Governing Council at its seventh meeting devoted a considerable amount of time to the topic of crop diversification and achieving self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds production.

States that are an integral part of the Council are believed to have sought the active participation from the Centre to hasten this process.

But, the challenge appears grave.

No material impact

There have been multiple efforts by the central and state governments to encourage farmers in the water-stressed states of Punjab, Haryana, and in western Uttar Pradesh, among others, to diversify from growing wheat and rice to more